Science Technician (part-time)

Responsible to: Faculty Head of Science, but reporting on a day-to-day basis to the Senior Science Technician

Location: Stephen Perse Cambridge Senior School and Sixth Form

Role Description

The Science Technician will be responsible for preparing, maintaining and developing resources to support the teaching and promotion of science at Stephen Perse.

This role is to start in September 2026.

Main Responsibilities

• Maintain the safety standards of practical resources; note and rectify equipment faults as well as chemical storage and preparation.
• Clear spills and mitigate other hazards.
• Give safety advice and support to teachers.
• Maintain a collection of safety information in the preparation room and laboratories as required.
• Carry out risk assessments for technician activities.
• Arrange for safe and secure storage of equipment, apparatus and chemicals and for their safe disposal.
• Carry out periodic safety checks.

Provision of Practical Requirements

• Prepare and set up equipment and materials for lessons and events including data-logging and digital equipment.
• Check that the provision of lesson materials and apparatus is correct.
• Deliver lesson materials and apparatus to the laboratories in good time.
• Clear equipment and materials from laboratories at the end of lessons.
• Carry out appropriate end of day checks in the laboratories and preparation rooms.
• Give advice, assistance and support to classes during practical activities (including investigations and projects) when requested by the teaching staff.
• Contribute to the development and design of apparatus and equipment for practical activities.
• Trial practical activities.
• Cost apparatus and equipment and suggest alternatives.

Maintenance of Resources and Facilities

• Schedule and carry out regular maintenance and cleaning of equipment, apparatus, textbooks and facilities.
• Keep the laboratory and preparation room areas clean and tidy.
• Carry out checking, calibration, fault finding and repair of instruments and equipment where possible or send/arrange for their repair.
• Set up and maintain any specialist resources according to the needs of the department.

Organisation and Management of Practical Resources

• Set up and operate systems for the management and control of practical resources and textbooks, including stock control - the location and availability of materials, textbooks, apparatus and equipment.
• Coordinate the use of practical resources and facilities between classes, including occasionally between Senior School and Sixth Form College.
• Order necessary apparatus and equipment with the approval of the department head.
• Check deliveries against orders and invoices.
• Shop locally for some requirements.
• Prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• Liaise with suppliers' representatives, CLEAPSS etc.
• Carry out effective and appropriate liaison with staff working within the college relating to the technician services.

General Responsibilities

• Act as an excellent ambassador for Stephen Perse at all times.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with all Stephen Perse colleagues.
• Assist as necessary in other Stephen Perse areas at peak times.
• Work at all times towards the aims and goals of Stephen Perse and any individual objectives and targets you may have agreed.
• Proactively identify areas for improvements within Stephen Perse.
• Actively promote Stephen Perse Equal Opportunities Policy, encouraging staff awareness and participation in all areas.
• Act in accordance with the Data Protection principles at all times.
• Adhere at all times to Stephen Perse operational and employment policies and procedures.
• Take care of your own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do (or do not do).
• Cooperate with others on health and safety, and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.
• Follow the training you have received when using any work items Stephen Perse has provided.
• Adhere to Stephen Perse's Privacy Notice and ensure private and confidential data is kept secure and disposed of in the appropriate manner.

This job description is not necessarily comprehensive and the position holder will be required to carry out such other duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Safeguarding and Welfare of Children

The post holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact, will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with Stephen Perse's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy statement at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the role-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, s/he must report any concerns to the School's Designated Person or the Stephen Perse Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Terms and Conditions

All appointments for Stephen Perse are subject to satisfactory reference and disclosure and barring service (DBS) checks, suitability to work with children checks, online checks, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a medical questionnaire and proof of qualifications.

Hours of Work

This position is term time only, 30 hours per week (working pattern to be decided), four days per week, 35.2 weeks per year (to include 5 INSET days).

Salary

£17,521 pro rata (£27,625 FTE) - £20,128 pro rata (£31,734 FTE).